West Michigan has 6 charter schools converting to Schools of Excellence

GRAND RAPIDS - Six West Michigan charter schools were among 12 in the first round of schools to convert to Schools of Excellence, according to the Michigan Association of Public School Academies.

The state’s Schools of Excellence program is a way to identify high-performing charter schools and replicate what's working in other school districts. The converted local schools are: Ridge Park Charter Academy in Kentwood; Oakland Academy in Portage; Black River Public School, Eagle Crest Charter Academy and Vanderbilt Charter Academy in Holland and Arbor Academy in Battle Creek.

“Our children’s achievement in charter schools across Michigan is proof that innovation in education is happening and that it is working,” said Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies. “The long waiting lists at two-thirds of the state’s charter schools prove that when given a choice, parents will seek out what’s best for their kids and they are finding it in charter schools.”

The designation is awarded each year to charter public schools that exceed state standards. To qualify, K-8 schools must achieve a three-year average 90 percent proficiency rate on state standardized math and reading tests or a 70 percent proficiency rate if at least half of the student body receives free or reduced price lunches.

To be eligible, K-12 schools must also achieve at least an 80 percent attendance rate, an 80 percent graduation rate and an 80 percent post-secondary enrollment rate over three years.